BETHENNY FRANKEL- JASON HOPPY SPLITSVILLE

Ex-Real Housewives BETHENNY FRANKEL and hubby throw in the towel on their marriage.

"It brings me great sadness to say that Jason and I are separating. This was an extremely difficult decision that as a woman and a mother, I have to accept as the best choice for our family," Frankel said in a statement.

"We have love and respect for one another and will continue to amicably co-parent[2]our daughter who is and will always remain our first priority. This is an immensely painful and heartbreaking time for us."

Tthe marriage between the formerThe Real Housewives of New Yorkstar-turned-author and Skinnygirl entrepreneur and Hoppy had been strained for months, RadarOnline.com[3] reported.

The couple married in March, 2010 when Frankel -- who went on to star inBethenny Ever After-- was seven months pregnant with the couple's daughter.